Press freedom | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/media/press-freedom
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Thu, 22 Feb 2018 05:19:33 GMT2018-02-22T05:19:33Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
UN warns Australia against imposing 'draconian penalties' on journalistshttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/20/un-warns-australia-against-imposing-draconian-penalties-on-journalists
<p>Special rapporteurs say changes to security law could be ‘inconsistent’ with treaty obligations</p><p>United Nations officials have warned the federal government that proposed changes to national security laws would impose “draconian criminal penalties” on the freedom of expression and may be “inconsistent” with Australia’s obligations under international treaties.</p><p>In a submission to a parliamentary committee reviewing proposed new secrecy laws, a group of UN special rapporteurs have argued the legislation would “disproportionately chill the work of media outlets and journalists” and expose human rights campaigners, activists and academics to criminal charges. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/25/coalitions-security-laws-criminalise-reporting-media-companies-warn">Coalition's security laws ‘criminalise’ reporting, media companies warn</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/20/un-warns-australia-against-imposing-draconian-penalties-on-journalists">Continue reading...</a>Australian security and counter-terrorismUnited NationsAustralia newsNewspapers & magazinesPress freedomHuman rightsActivismAustralian lawAustralian politicsTue, 20 Feb 2018 03:28:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/20/un-warns-australia-against-imposing-draconian-penalties-on-journalistsPhotograph: Dan Peled/AAPPhotograph: Dan Peled/AAPMichael McGowan2018-02-20T03:28:47ZMax Mosley threatens to sue papers over orgy story under data lawshttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/16/max-mosley-threatens-sue-papers-orgy-story-data-laws
<p>Former Formula One boss says references to ‘private party’ breach Data Protection Act</p><p>Max Mosley is threatening to sue Britain’s three largest newspaper groups, claiming they are in breach of the Data Protection Act because they continue to refer to an infamous sadomasochistic orgy involving the former Formula One boss a decade ago.<br tabindex="-1"></p><p>The 77-year-old claims that data protection and privacy laws require the press to stop disseminating information about him that is not in the public interest, but media lawyers as well as the newspaper owners say his demand is an attempt to rewrite the historical record.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/16/max-mosley-threatens-sue-papers-orgy-story-data-laws">Continue reading...</a>Max MosleyPrivacy & the mediaPress freedomPress regulationData protectionNewspapers & magazinesNewspapersMediaTechnologyUK newsFri, 16 Feb 2018 16:56:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/16/max-mosley-threatens-sue-papers-orgy-story-data-lawsPhotograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty ImagesDan Sabbagh2018-02-16T16:56:10ZTurkey sentences journalists to life in jail over coup attempthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/turkey-sentences-six-journalists-life-imprisonment-failed-coup
<p>Sentencing over alleged role in failed putsch condemned as showing disregard for rule of law</p><p>A Turkish court has sentenced six defendants, including three prominent journalists, to life in prison over allegations of involvement in a 2016 coup attempt, drawing fierce condemnation from the UN and press freedom advocates.</p><p>The convictions followed a months-long trial during which the prosecution alleged that the journalists sent “subliminal messages” via TV appearances and newspaper columns urging the overthrow of the government, and that they maintained contact with members of the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/17/fethullah-gulen-alleged-coup-mastermind-and-friendly-neighbour">Fethullah Gülen network</a>, a movement widely believed in Turkey to have orchestrated the coup attempt.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/16/fethullah-gulen-who-is-the-man-blamed-by-turkeys-president-for-coup-attempt">Fethullah Gülen: who is the man Turkey's president blames for coup attempt?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/turkey-sentences-six-journalists-life-imprisonment-failed-coup">Continue reading...</a>TurkeyPress freedomWorld newsMediaFreedom of speechNewspapers & magazinesFri, 16 Feb 2018 15:51:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/16/turkey-sentences-six-journalists-life-imprisonment-failed-coupPhotograph: webPhotograph: webKareem Shaheen in Istanbul2018-02-16T15:51:20ZCoalition backs down on security laws after warnings they could criminalise journalismhttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/08/coalition-backs-down-on-security-laws-after-warnings-they-could-criminalise-journalism
<p>‘There is no desire by the Turnbull government to limit the legitimate work of journalists,’ Christian Porter says</p><p>The Coalition has been forced to significantly amend its proposed foreign interference laws after warnings from media organisations, Labor and the Greens that the legislation would criminalise public interest journalism.</p><p>The bill <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/25/coalitions-security-laws-criminalise-reporting-media-companies-warn">contains prison sentences of up to 20 years</a> for dealing with or publishing protected information such as material that is harmful or likely to harm Australia’s interests, subject to very limited exemptions for public interest journalism.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/25/coalitions-security-laws-criminalise-reporting-media-companies-warn">Coalition's security laws ‘criminalise’ reporting, media companies warn</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/08/coalition-backs-down-on-security-laws-after-warnings-they-could-criminalise-journalism">Continue reading...</a>Australian security and counter-terrorismAustralian politicsAustralian lawAustralian mediaChristian PorterAustralia newsNewspapers & magazinesPress freedomMediaWed, 07 Feb 2018 22:36:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/08/coalition-backs-down-on-security-laws-after-warnings-they-could-criminalise-journalismPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPaul Karp2018-02-07T22:36:16ZDecline of local journalism threatens democracy, says Mayhttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/06/decline-of-local-journalism-threatens-democracy-says-may
<p>Government review will assess whether state intervention is needed to preserve the press</p><p>The decline of local journalism is a threat to democracy and is fuelling the rise in fake news, Theresa May said while launching a review into whether state intervention was needed to preserve national and local newspapers.</p><p>The investigation is set to examine the rise of low-quality “clickbait” news and whether more could be done by either the industry or government to undermine commercial incentives to produce such content.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/jul/12/how-technology-disrupted-the-truth">How technology disrupted the truth | Katharine Viner</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/06/decline-of-local-journalism-threatens-democracy-says-may">Continue reading...</a>Newspapers & magazinesPress freedomNewspapersRegional & local newspapersTheresa MayUK newsMediaPoliticsDigital mediaTue, 06 Feb 2018 16:38:14 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/feb/06/decline-of-local-journalism-threatens-democracy-says-mayPhotograph: POOL/ReutersPhotograph: POOL/ReutersJessica Elgot Political correspondent2018-02-06T16:38:14ZAsio says threat to Australia greater now than in cold warhttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/31/asio-says-threat-to-australia-greater-now-than-in-cold-war
<p>Agency says controversial new security laws needed to counter ‘pervasive’ foreign threat</p><p>The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) has told a parliamentary inquiry that it needs sweeping new national security laws – which media agencies say would “criminalise” journalism – because the threat posed by foreign espionage is worse than during the cold war.</p><p>But the shadow attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, warned the wording of the bills could mean they had “unintended consequences”, and said Labor would likely seek amendments before supporting them.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/31/cabinet-documents-abc-reveals-top-secret-files-found-in-old-filing-cabinets">Cabinet documents: ABC reveals top secret files found in old filing cabinets</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/30/coalition-secrecy-laws-threaten-public-interest-journalism-committee-told">Coalition secrecy laws threaten public interest journalism, committee told</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/31/asio-says-threat-to-australia-greater-now-than-in-cold-war">Continue reading...</a>Australian security and counter-terrorismAustralia newsMark DreyfusPress freedomMediaAustralian mediaCold warWed, 31 Jan 2018 06:22:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/31/asio-says-threat-to-australia-greater-now-than-in-cold-warPhotograph: Dan Peled/AAPPhotograph: Dan Peled/AAPMichael McGowan2018-01-31T06:22:04ZA man wanted to 'gun down' CNN. Would Trump have been to blame? | Lucia Graveshttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/24/cnn-trump-brandon-griesemer
<p>The president has repeatedly attacked the media, singling out CNN for its supposed ‘fake news’ coverage. Might that be inspiring violence?<br></p><p>On Christmas Eve, Donald Trump retweeted<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/12/24/trump-retweets-image-depicting-cnn-squashed-beneath-his-shoe/?utm_term=.75f133b0151d"> a doctored image</a> of himself smiling on the phone with a bloodlike splatter on the underside of his shoe. Upon close inspection, the splatter revealed itself to be the CNN logo.</p><p>The following month, CNN headquarters received nearly two dozen threatening phone calls that began with talk of “fake news” and ended in threats of mass violence,<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/01/23/fake-news-im-coming-to-gun-you-all-down-mich-man-arrested-for-threatening-to-attack-cnn-hosts/?utm_term=.e729ec193517"> according to federal documents</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/24/cnn-trump-brandon-griesemer">Continue reading...</a>Trump administrationDonald TrumpMediaCNNPress freedomWed, 24 Jan 2018 13:24:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/24/cnn-trump-brandon-griesemerPhotograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesLucia Graves2018-01-24T13:24:56ZThis week in 1970 | From the Observer archivehttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/21/from-the-observer-archive-1970
Privacy and the freedoms of the Press<p>Mr Callaghan’s decision to set up a committee to inquire into the whole question of privacy is welcome. For while there is widespread agreement about the need to protect the individual against invasions of his privacy, the question of how best to do this is not nearly so clear.</p><p>First, is it necessary to introduce a general law of privacy – or would it be better to make separate provision for bugging devices, computer records and other technological threats? Second, if Mr Brian Walden’s case for a general law of privacy is accepted, how can it best be reconciled with the freedom of inquiry by Press and television?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/21/from-the-observer-archive-1970">Continue reading...</a>Press freedomNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesMediaUK newsSun, 21 Jan 2018 00:04:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/21/from-the-observer-archive-1970Photograph: Central Press/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Central Press/Getty ImagesGuardian Staff2018-01-21T00:04:06ZThe biggest risk to American journalism isn't posed by Trump | Thomas Hughes and Jodie Ginberghttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/19/american-journalism-fake-news-trump
<p>Journalists in the US are facing an unprecedented crackdown on their work. This crackdown is at its most visible when it intersects with protest</p><p>Independent journalism holds the unaccountable to account and shines light on the darkest corners of our world. It seeks to inform, to ignite, to inspire and to spark debate. Yet in one of the traditional bastions of a free media – the United States – that is under threat. </p><p>US journalists faced challenges before last year’s change in administration, but the inauguration of President Trump marked a sea change. So ubiquitous were the “fake news” accusations bandied about by Trump and his advisers that the phrase became <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/02/fake-news-is-very-real-word-of-the-year-for-2017">word of the year in 2017</a>. Journalists who dare to challenge the Trump narrative are frequently attacked as <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/832708293516632065">“enemies of the American people”</a> and repeatedly mocked on social media. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/17/trump-fake-news-awards-winners">Donald Trump faces backlash as he reveals 'Fake News Awards' winners</a> </p><p>Targeted harassment, stigmatisation, and detention of journalists fosters an environment of fear that shuts down debate</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/19/american-journalism-fake-news-trump">Continue reading...</a>Press freedomMediaCensorshipJournalist safetyUS press and publishingDonald TrumpTrump administrationFri, 19 Jan 2018 11:00:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jan/19/american-journalism-fake-news-trumpPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoThomas Hughes and Jodie Ginsberg2018-01-19T11:00:21ZRSC to explore press freedom in play about exiled Turkish editorhttps://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/jan/18/rsc-explores-press-freedom-in-wearearrested-play-about-turkish-editor-can-dundar
<p>#WeAreArrested is based on book by Can Dündar, sentenced to jail after exposing arms deals</p><p>The dangers posed to a free and independent press by governments are to be explored in a play commissioned by the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/rsc">Royal Shakespeare Company</a>.</p><p>The play is based on the true story of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/can-d-ndar">Can Dündar</a>, a Turkish newspaper editor sentenced to jail and now in exile after exposing covert state arms deals with Islamic fundamentalists in Syria.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/jan/18/rsc-explores-press-freedom-in-wearearrested-play-about-turkish-editor-can-dundar">Continue reading...</a>Royal Shakespeare CompanyPress freedomTheatreTurkeyStageCultureMediaUK newsWorld newsNewspapers & magazinesNewspapersJournalist safetyThu, 18 Jan 2018 07:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/jan/18/rsc-explores-press-freedom-in-wearearrested-play-about-turkish-editor-can-dundarPhotograph: Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty ImagesMark Brown Arts correspondent2018-01-18T07:00:07ZPhilippines revokes licence of leading news website Rapplerhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/philippines-revokes-licence-news-website-rappler-free-press
<p>Ruling denounced by critics as an ‘alarming attempt to silence independent journalism’ and latest blow to free press in country</p><p>The Philippine government has revoked the operating licence of leading news website <a href="https://www.rappler.com/">Rappler</a>, officials said on Monday in a ruling denounced by President Rodrigo Duterte’s critics as the latest blow to press freedom.<br></p><p>Rappler, set up in 2012, is among a clutch of Philippine news organisations that have sparred with Duterte over their <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/16/philippines-police-bloodiest-night-duterte-war-drugs">critical coverage of his brutal drugs war.</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/12/rodrigo-duterte-president-philippines-anti-drugs-campaign-thousands-killed">Rodrigo Duterte: the president warlord of the Philippines | Observer profile</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/philippines-revokes-licence-news-website-rappler-free-press">Continue reading...</a>PhilippinesRodrigo DuterteMediaAsia PacificWorld newsPress freedomNewspapers & magazinesTue, 16 Jan 2018 00:01:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/16/philippines-revokes-licence-news-website-rappler-free-pressPhotograph: Dondi Tawatao/ReutersPhotograph: Dondi Tawatao/ReutersAgence France-Presse2018-01-16T00:01:07ZGovernment will seek to overturn Lords vote on newspapers, says Mayhttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/government-overturn-lords-vote-newspapers-may
<p>PM says tighter regulation backed by peers would ‘undermine high-quality journalism’ and hit local papers particularly hard</p><p>Theresa May has said the government will seek to overturn votes in the House of Lords calling for tighter regulation of the media.<br></p><p>Following a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/matt-hancock-lords-leveson-yes-vote-is-blow-to-local-press">lengthy debate on Wednesday</a>, peers voted in favour of proceeding with part two of the <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/leveson-inquiry">Leveson inquiry</a> into press standards and a a requirement for newspapers not signed up to an approved regulator to pay their own and their opponents’ legal costs in relation to alleged data protection breaches.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/government-overturn-lords-vote-newspapers-may">Continue reading...</a>Press regulationHouse of LordsPress freedomRegional & local newspapersNewspapersMediaPoliticsNewspapers & magazinesUK newsLeveson inquiryThu, 11 Jan 2018 13:27:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/government-overturn-lords-vote-newspapers-mayPhotograph: Mike Kemp/Corbis via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Mike Kemp/Corbis via Getty ImagesGraham Ruddick Media editor2018-01-11T13:27:38ZMatt Hancock: Lords' Leveson 'yes' vote is blow to local presshttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/matt-hancock-lords-leveson-yes-vote-is-blow-to-local-press
<p>Newly appointed culture secretary vows to fight upper chamber over press freedom as Gary Lineker tweets support for vote</p><p>Newly appointed culture secretary <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/people/matthew-hancock">Matt Hancock </a>has accused peers of voting to curb press freedom after they backed controversial regulation and the go-ahead to part two of the Leveson Inquiry. </p><p>The cabinet minister said it would be a “hammer blow” to the local press, and that he would seek to overturn the changes in the House of Commons. </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">House of Lords have just voted to restrict press freedoms. This vote will undermine high quality journalism, fail to resolve challenges the media face and is a hammer blow to local press. We support a free press and will seek to overturn these amendments in the Commons</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And an onerous constraint on investigative journalism, at the time it is most needed to offset fake and skewed news <a href="https://t.co/oo9OSkm8de">https://t.co/oo9OSkm8de</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The new Culture Secretary is right about this <a href="https://t.co/ofdWH7BkiQ">https://t.co/ofdWH7BkiQ</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ah the old press freedom myth. The House of Lords have voted for press honesty, decency and some sort of code of conduct. Long overdue. <a href="https://t.co/BGmVeQAQ5F">https://t.co/BGmVeQAQ5F</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/matt-hancock-lords-leveson-yes-vote-is-blow-to-local-press">Continue reading...</a>Press freedomMediaNewspapersNewspapers & magazinesMatthew HancockPoliticsUK newsHouse of LordsHouse of CommonsLeveson inquiryThu, 11 Jan 2018 00:25:31 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/11/matt-hancock-lords-leveson-yes-vote-is-blow-to-local-pressPhotograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPAPhotograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPAPatrick Greenfield2018-01-11T00:25:31Z‘Creeping Stalinism’: secrecy law could imprison whistleblowers and journalistshttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/11/creeping-stalinism-secrecy-law-could-imprison-whistleblowers-and-journalists
<p>Proposed changes to Australia’s official secrecy laws a threat to democracy, say human rights and media organisations<strong></strong></p><p> </p><p>Government whistleblowers and journalists who report on leaked information could face 20 years’ imprisonment if changes to Australia’s official secrecy laws pass parliament.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jul/27/immigration-detention-doctors-challenge-border-force-acts-secrecy-clause-in-court">Immigration detention doctors challenge Border Force Act's secrecy clause in court</a> </p><p>The reality is public interest defences to alleged criminal acts are few and far between</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/12/uk-government-accused-full-frontal-attack-prison-whistleblowers-media-journalists">Government advisers accused of 'full-frontal attack' on whistleblowers</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/aug/14/dutton-retreats-on-offshore-detention-secrecy-rules-that-threaten-workers-with-jail">Dutton retreats on offshore detention secrecy rules that threaten workers with jail</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/oct/18/australia-should-urgently-improve-whistleblower-protection-un-expert-says">Australia should urgently improve whistleblower protection, UN expert says</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/mar/29/immigration-department-suppressed-detention-contractors-name-due-to-boycotts">Immigration department suppressed detention contractor's name due to boycotts</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/11/creeping-stalinism-secrecy-law-could-imprison-whistleblowers-and-journalists">Continue reading...</a>Australian politicsAustralia newsPress freedomMediaNewspapers & magazinesWorld newsCoalitionLabor partyWed, 10 Jan 2018 21:20:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jan/11/creeping-stalinism-secrecy-law-could-imprison-whistleblowers-and-journalistsPhotograph: Mick Tsikas/EPAPhotograph: Mick Tsikas/EPAKieran Pender2018-01-10T21:20:42ZPakistani journalist who criticised military tells of attempted abductionhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/pakistani-journalist-taha-siddiqui-military-attempted-abduction
<p>Taha Siddiqui says two vehicles blocked his car on motorway before armed men beat him and tried to drag him away<br></p><p>An award-winning journalist known for his critical reporting of Pakistan’s powerful military has said he narrowly avoided abduction after his taxi was stopped by armed men.</p><p>Taha Siddiqui, who has reported for the Guardian, France 24 and other outlets, said he was travelling on a highway in Rawalpindi on Wednesday when two vehicles blocked his car from the front and back.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/pakistani-journalist-taha-siddiqui-military-attempted-abduction">Continue reading...</a>PakistanJournalist safetyPress freedomMediaSouth and Central AsiaWorld newsWed, 10 Jan 2018 15:19:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/pakistani-journalist-taha-siddiqui-military-attempted-abductionPhotograph: Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty ImagesNosheen Abbass in Islamabad and Michael Safi in Delhi2018-01-10T15:19:08ZReuters journalists covering Rohingya crisis charged under Official Secrets Acthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/two-reuters-journalists-rohingya-court-myanmar
<p>Two reporters in Myanmar had been investigating violence in Rakhine, from where hundreds of thousands of Muslim refugees have fled</p><p>Prosecutors in Myanmar have formally charged two journalists from the Reuters news agency with violating the Official Secrets Act, signalling the case will go forward despite international condemnation.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/30/press-freedom-at-all-time-low-journalist-safety-article-19-v-dem-study">Global press freedom plunges to worst level this century</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A free press is critical to a free society—the detention of journalists anywhere is unacceptable. The Reuters journalists being held in Myanmar should be released immediately.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/23/aung-san-suu-free-press-fake-news-rohingya">Aung San Suu Kyi once called for a free press. Now, fake news haunts the dead | Rossalyn Warren</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/two-reuters-journalists-rohingya-court-myanmar">Continue reading...</a>MyanmarReutersMediaSouth and Central AsiaWorld newsPress freedomWed, 10 Jan 2018 05:47:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/10/two-reuters-journalists-rohingya-court-myanmarPhotograph: Thein Zaw/APPhotograph: Thein Zaw/APAgencies2018-01-10T05:47:36ZReporter who exposed India data breach named in criminal complainthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/reporter-who-exposed-huge-indian-data-breach-rachna-khaira-named-in-government-criminal-complaint
<p>Government files complaint after report by Rachna Khaira claimed personal records of 1.2 billion people were on sale for £6</p><p>A journalist who broke the story that personal records of 1.2 billion Indians could be <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/04/india-national-id-database-data-leak-bought-online-aadhaar">purchased online for less than £6</a> has been named in a criminal complaint filed by the government agency responsible for the data.</p><p>Senior Indian journalists and national press associations criticised the complaint against Rachna Khaira as “unfair, unjustified and a direct attack on the freedom of the press”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/reporter-who-exposed-huge-indian-data-breach-rachna-khaira-named-in-government-criminal-complaint">Continue reading...</a>IndiaSouth and Central AsiaWorld newsIdentity fraudTechnologyPress freedomMediaMon, 08 Jan 2018 13:49:35 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/08/reporter-who-exposed-huge-indian-data-breach-rachna-khaira-named-in-government-criminal-complaintPhotograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesMichael Safi in Delhi2018-01-08T13:49:35ZBattle the press – with the government’s helphttps://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/07/battle-press-media-with-government-help-dcms-home-office
<p>The Home Office and DCMS have published a guide on how to deal with media inquiries, including warnings about journalists’ ethics. Is that really their place?</p><p>An <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/handling-media-attention/handling-media-attention-after-a-major-incident" title="">extraordinary article</a> was published on the government’s website last week. “Handling media attention after a major incident” was released on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media &amp; Sport and the Home Office, and offers advice to the general population about how to deal with media inquiries.</p><p>There are a few points in the article that stand out. Firstly, there is this sentence: “You should remember that you do not have to answer any questions, but the media could use any information that you give them – even if you tell them something in confidence or off the record.” Other striking parts are the suggestion that “you might wish to consider seeking the advice of a lawyer” or hiring a PR agency if speaking about sensitive matters, or that dealing with the media can be “distressing and&nbsp;daunting”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/07/battle-press-media-with-government-help-dcms-home-office">Continue reading...</a>Newspapers & magazinesPress freedomNewspapersMediaTelevision industryChildren's TVSun, 07 Jan 2018 06:59:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/07/battle-press-media-with-government-help-dcms-home-officePhotograph: UK government websitePhotograph: UK government websiteGraham Ruddick2018-01-07T06:59:04ZThe Post is a timely reminder of the struggle between press freedom and government lies | Peter Grestehttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/03/the-post-is-a-timely-reminder-of-the-struggle-between-press-freedom-and-government-lies
<p>Steven Spielberg’s new film about Nixon’s attempt to gag the US press remains disturbingly relevant</p><p>You know something is amiss when a US-based foundation dedicated to monitoring and defending press freedom around the world feels compelled to set up a website to track it in the one place that has always held itself up as a beacon of free speech – the United States itself. </p><p>Earlier this year, the <a href="https://freedom.press/">Freedom of the Press Foundation</a> launched the <a href="https://pressfreedomtracker.us/">US Press Freedom Tracker</a>, along with 20 partners, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. The site logs anything it regards as a threat to press freedom including arrests and assaults of journalists in the course of their jobs.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/06/the-post-review-steven-spielberg-tom-hanks-meryl-streep-washington-post">The Post review – Streep and Hanks scoop the honours in Spielberg's big-hearted story</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/nov/27/spielberg-the-post-pentagon-papers-trump">Spielberg’s The Post tells of Pentagon Papers and time when media was trusted</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/03/the-post-is-a-timely-reminder-of-the-struggle-between-press-freedom-and-government-lies">Continue reading...</a>The PostPress freedomCultureFilmSteven SpielbergNewspapersWashington PostNew York TimesAustralia newsMediaNewspapers & magazinesUS newsUS press and publishingTrump administrationTue, 02 Jan 2018 18:00:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/jan/03/the-post-is-a-timely-reminder-of-the-struggle-between-press-freedom-and-government-liesPhotograph: Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise/Niko TavernisePhotograph: Photo Credit: Niko Tavernise/Niko TavernisePeter Greste2018-01-02T18:00:23ZHow reader funding is helping save independent media across the worldhttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/25/how-reader-funding-is-helping-save-independent-media-across-the-world
<p>As the number of Guardian supporters continues to grow, we look at independent publications with their own take on membership models</p><p>After the Guardian wrote three weeks ago about the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/30/closure-of-nepszabadsag-hungarian-daily-highlights-threat-to-independent-media">collapse of independent media all around the world</a>, it quickly became apparent that was only half the story.</p><p>Press freedom <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/nov/30/press-freedom-at-all-time-low-journalist-safety-article-19-v-dem-study">is at its lowest ebb</a> this century. Authoritarian rulers and an economic rout have combined to drive hundreds of titles out of business. <br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/25/how-reader-funding-is-helping-save-independent-media-across-the-world">Continue reading...</a>MembershipCrowdfundingNewspapers & magazinesDigital mediaPress freedomMediaNewspapersTechnologyMon, 25 Dec 2017 21:15:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/25/how-reader-funding-is-helping-save-independent-media-across-the-worldPhotograph: Ishan Tankha for the GuardianPhotograph: Ishan Tankha for the GuardianBibi van der Zee2017-12-25T21:15:38Z